Criminal threatened to stab teenager if he didn't hand over cash

Chris Burn, Multimedia Reporter

A criminal who threatened to stab a teenage barman leaving work unless he handed over his money has been jailed for 14 months.

Peter Cisar followed the 19-year-old through Rotherham town centre after the teenager had finished his first trial shift at the Corn Law Rhymer pub on August 13.

Sheffield Crown Court heard that Cisar had repeatedly asked for money from the man, which he initially refused.

But Cisar continued to follow the man to his bus stop, with the complainant finally offering £1.20.

The court heard Cisar said 'He knew he had more' and unzipped his jacket, putting his right arm inside while claiming he was carrying a knife.

Cisar said: "Would you rather give me the money or go home with a stab wound?"

The victim replied: "Neither."

The man was preparing to run off when his bus arrived. He jumped on and told the driver to lock the door as Cisar had a knife - with the defendant banging on the window and promising he would 'get' the 19-year-old.

When police caught Cisar a short time later it was found he was not carrying a knife but did have two used needles on his person.

The victim later told police 'it was almost expected that sort of thing happened in Rotherham town centre'.

Judge Recorder Anthony Kelbrick said: "It is awful to think that this is regarded as the norm."

Cisar, aged 20 and of Hatherley Road, Eastwood, Rotherham, was sentenced to 14 months in prison for attempted robbery.

Recorder Kelbrick said he would not suspend the sentence, despite hearing representations about Cisar's problems with drugs that had seen him using up to three bags of heroin per day at the time of this offence.

The judge said: "It would send out the wrong message to people in Rotherham who may be tempted to follow your example."